I Haven’t Received My Pre-Op Instructions Yet. What Should I Do?

Your surgery is scheduled, but you still haven't received instructions about when to stop eating, which medications to take, or what time to arrive.

You may be wondering whether you missed a message, whether the hospital will call, or whether you need to do something yourself.

If you haven't received your pre-op instructions, contact your surgeon's office or surgical facility to confirm when and how you'll receive them. Don't wait until the day of surgery to find out what you're supposed to do.

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Quick Summary

• Pre-op instructions may come from your surgeon, hospital, surgery center, or anesthesia team.
• Contact your surgeon's office if you don't know when to expect them.
• Check your patient portal, email, voicemail, and any paperwork you've already received.
• Don't guess about fasting, medications, or other preparation requirements.
• If surgery is tomorrow and you still don't have instructions, call your surgical team promptly.

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When Should I Receive My Pre-Op Instructions?

The timing varies by surgical facility and procedure.

Some patients receive instructions when surgery is scheduled. Others receive a phone call or portal message closer to their surgery date.

You may also receive information in stages:

• Your surgeon's office explains procedure-specific preparation.
• A pre-admission or anesthesia team reviews your medical history and medications.
• The surgical facility confirms arrival time and day-of-surgery logistics.

Not receiving everything at once doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong.

However, you should know when to expect your instructions and whom to contact if they don't arrive.

If you haven't received your instructions yet, see I Haven’t Received My Pre-Op Instructions Yet. What Should I Do?

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Who Should I Call If I Haven't Received Instructions?

Start with your surgeon's office.

Explain that your surgery is scheduled but you haven't received the information you need to prepare.

You can ask:

• When will I receive my pre-op instructions?
• Will they come by phone, email, mail, or patient portal?
• Will someone review my medications with me?
• Who will explain when I need to stop eating and drinking?
• When will I learn my arrival time?
• Is there anything I need to complete before surgery?

If the surgeon's office directs you to the hospital or surgery center, ask for the correct phone number or department.

If you're also waiting for an arrival time, read Why Don't I Know My Surgery Time Yet?

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What If My Surgery Is Tomorrow?

If surgery is the next day and you still don't have preparation instructions, contact your surgical team or facility promptly.

Some instructions, particularly those involving fasting and medications, are time-sensitive.

If the office is closed, check your paperwork for an after-hours number or contact the surgical facility for guidance.

Don't invent your own fasting schedule or change prescribed medications based on general online advice. Requirements may depend on your procedure, anesthesia plan, medications, and medical history.

If you can't reach anyone, continue trying the contact numbers provided. The surgical team needs to clarify your instructions before you proceed with uncertain preparation steps.

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What Information Should I Have Before Surgery?

Before your procedure, make sure you understand:

• Eating and drinking: When to stop and whether clear liquids are permitted.
• Medications: Which medications to take, hold, or adjust, including any special instructions for diabetes medications or blood thinners.
• Arrival: Where to go, when to arrive, and where to check in.
• Transportation: Whether you need a responsible adult to take you home.
• Preparation: Any special bathing, skin preparation, or other requirements.
• Paperwork: Whether you need testing, forms, identification, or insurance information.

Not every patient needs every type of preparation. Your surgical team should tell you which requirements apply.

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What If I Received Some Instructions but Not Others?

You may have a surgery date and arrival location but still be missing medication or fasting instructions.

Don't assume the information you already received is complete.

Contact the team responsible for the missing instructions and ask whether another call, appointment, or message is expected.

If different members of your care team give conflicting directions, see What If My Surgery Instructions Conflict? Which Instructions Should I Follow?

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Could Missing Instructions Delay My Surgery?

Potentially.

Some preparation requirements affect whether surgery can proceed safely. Missing required testing, medication adjustments, fasting instructions, or transportation arrangements can create problems on surgery day.

But missing paperwork doesn't automatically mean your surgery will be delayed.

The best way to reduce uncertainty is to contact your team early enough to resolve outstanding questions.

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Preparing for Surgery?

Preparing for surgery involves a lot of small but important steps. Download the free SurgiNav Surgery Prep Checklist to stay organized and feel more confident before your procedure.

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The Bottom Line

If your surgery is scheduled but your pre-op instructions haven't arrived, contact your surgeon's office or surgical facility.

Confirm when you'll receive the instructions, how they'll be delivered, and who can answer questions about medications, fasting, and arrival time.

You shouldn't have to guess how to prepare for surgery.

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Related Guides

• Why Don't I Know My Surgery Time Yet?
• What If My Surgery Instructions Conflict? Which Instructions Should I Follow?
• What Should I Do the Week Before Surgery?
• Prepare for Surgery

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Medical Sources

• MedlinePlus — Preparing for Surgery — General preparation and questions to review before surgery.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists — Preparing for Surgery — Anesthesia preparation and patient questions.
• American College of Surgeons — Patient Education — Resources about preparing for surgical care.

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